In the commentary daily newspaper "Delo" notes that the statistics on the medals won at major tournaments suggest that Slovenia is losing a very small share of its sport talent.

"The objective that talents do not fall through the cracks should be a general national objective. Not only in sport but in education, science, development, business and art as well."

The paper adds that people show respect to the national volleyball team, to athletes who have showed collective intelligence and precise anticipation of where danger comes from.

"There is no room in volleyball for superstar narcissism, because only intelligent hard work and sacrificing oneself for the success of the team counts."

Delo adds that the president's initiative to celebrate a national sports day will now be on the agenda, noting that it is coming from the political arena, the arena where the most of the talent gets lost

"There are no average ones on the winning podium in sport. In Slovenian politics there are," the Ljubljana-based paper concludes.

The Maribor paper "Večer" meanwhile says that Slovenia is undoubtedly a sports phenomenon, with the crossroads of the Alps, Balkans and Mediterranean being self-confidently written on the global sports map.

The small size does not limit Slovenia any more, and it actually can be an advantage, because there is no imperative to win, while if you succeed, you become the hero of the entire nation.

"If there is anyone left who would like to underestimate the importance of sport, as if it is only a game, the past few days were the proof that there is no better glue to bring the nation together," the paper concludes.

Slovenian government will award men's national volleyball team with a EUR 50,000 grant since it considers the medal to be an exceptional sports achievement.

"The men's volleyball team's silver medal won at the European Championship is one of the exceptional achievements in sports which promote Slovenia in the world and enable the country to showcase itself in tourism and economy," the government said.